U.S. says Maliki knows time is running out

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said some Iraqi leaders had miscalculated before thinking U.S. support would go on unconditionally but now they realize the patience of the American people is running out.

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In an interview with CNN broadcast on Friday, Khalilzad echoed comments by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who said Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government was living "on borrowed time." Khalilzad said Maliki realized diplomacy had not succeeded in dismantling militias and it was time for action.

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U.S. lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled Congress hammered Bush's plan to send more troops, and many in Iraq questioned how much difference they can make. But Khalilzad said this time the Iraqi government was ready to take decisive action.

"The president has been very resolute from the get go (from the start) and some people here have miscalculated perhaps, thinking no matter what they do or do not do support will go on because of the rock solid stand the president has taken," Khalilzad told CNN.

"The president has sent a very good strong message that the patience of the American people is running out," he said.

Khalilzad said Maliki, a Shi'ite Islamist, had pledged his commitment to crack down on Shi'ite militias -- a key demand of Washington and the Sunni Arab minority who blame the militias for operating death squads.


more;http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070112/ts_nm/iraq_dc_154

As long as these Thug corporations can maintain a profit

And continue to swill at the public trough

The Chimpanzee and his handlers will have a presence there.

over the Supreme Court.